CS 48900 Embedded Systems

Course Description

Software for embedded systems; programming with extreme constraints on memory, storage, and processing power; programming models, including synchronous, asynchronous, and concurrent; programming systems that run forever; use of Finite State Machines (FSMs); review of embedded hardware and available boards; asynchronous and synchronous serial connections (e.g., RS232 and SPI); General Purpose I/O (GPIO) pins; relays, servos, and other peripherals; design for low power; battery characteristics; systems that communicate over computer networks and the Internet; current industry practices; design of embedded projects; working in teams.

Course Outline

Week    Contents

1            Introduction to embedded systems; an example hardware platform

2            Why embedded systems is taking off; computer network connections

3            The Internet of Things; Internet communication and cloud services

4            Industry status; speakers from companies using embedded systems

5            Embedded designs and student projects

6            Timed events and time management

7            Relays and control of high-voltage equipment

8            Challenges in embedded programming

9            Programming models and synchronous systems; use of FSMs

10          More programming models: asynchronous, concurrent, and distributed

11          Programming a system that runs forever; minimizing data storage

12          Serial communication (examples of RS232 and SPI)

13          GPIO and bit banging

14          Power design, sleep modes, and batteries    

15          Final project presentations and demonstrations